Friday, November 30, 2012

Of hyperbole and credulous journalism

According to an uncritical report in the Irish Times today a court case will have "significant ramifications for Irish society". SiliconRepublic agrees that the case is "significant" and will "send shivers down the spine" of internet users. So what was this latter day Donoghue v. Stevenson of such great importance?

This is far from being a full list - these are just the most high profile examples - and this is certainly not any sort of new area of law.

So why the hyperbole in the current stories? Both pieces quote the solicitor responsible for the action, and it's entirely understandable that he might seek to talk up the significance of the case. But journalists should know better than to accept self-serving claims at face value.